Translation guide
A system of government or control by a small group of people. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for the ruling group, the system itself, or descriptive phrases.
Referring to the small group of people who hold power in an oligarchy.
Refers to the few people at the top of an oligarchic system. Often used in political or historical contexts.
その国は寡頭によって支配されている。
That country is ruled by an oligarchy.
Literally 'minority rulers'. A more descriptive term for the ruling few.
少数支配者が富を独占している。
The oligarchs monopolize the wealth.
Means 'the few in the ruling class'. Used in analytical or academic writing.
支配層の少数が政策を決める。
The oligarchy decides policy.
Referring to the form of government where power rests with a small group.
The standard term for 'oligarchy' as a political system. Used in political science and general discussion.
寡頭制は民主主義と対立する。
Oligarchy is opposed to democracy.
Literally 'minority rule'. A broader term that can refer to oligarchy or any system where a minority holds power.
少数支配は腐敗を招きやすい。
Oligarchy tends to lead to corruption.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'rule by the few'. Used when explaining the concept.
少数による支配は古代から存在する。
Oligarchy has existed since ancient times.
Referring to a country or society that functions as an oligarchy.
An 'oligarchic state'. Used in political commentary.
その国は事実上の寡頭制国家だ。
That country is effectively an oligarchy.
A country under oligarchic rule. More descriptive.
寡頭支配の国では格差が広がる。
In an oligarchy, inequality widens.
Referring to control by a small group of wealthy individuals or corporations.
Specifically refers to oligarchy by corporate conglomerates (zaibatsu). Historically relevant to Japan.
戦前の日本は財閥寡頭制だった。
Pre-war Japan was a corporate oligarchy.
Economic oligarchy. Used when wealth translates directly into political power.
経済寡頭制が政治を歪めている。
Economic oligarchy distorts politics.
寡頭制 (かとうせい) is the specific political science term for 'oligarchy'. 少数支配 (しょうすうしはい) is a broader term meaning 'minority rule' and can be used in non-political contexts as well. For formal writing about political systems, 寡頭制 is preferred.
In casual conversation, Japanese speakers might simply explain the concept rather than use the technical term. For example, '一部の人間が権力を握っている状態' (a state where a few people hold power) is a natural way to describe an oligarchy without using the word 寡頭制.
その国は寡頭制国家です。
The country is an oligarchy.
寡頭制はしばしば不平等を招きます。
Oligarchy often leads to inequality.